Cholesterol Drug Fenofibrate May Slow Diabetic Vision Loss

On June 25, 2024, a notable study revealed that a widely-used cholesterol-lowering drug may significantly decelerate the progression of a diabetes-related eye disease. The medication, Fenofibrate (marketed as Tricor), which has been available since 2004 to manage cholesterol levels, has now been shown to slow down the advancement of diabetic retinopathy by 27% in comparison to a placebo.

These findings were published on June 21 in the journal NEJM Evidence and were simultaneously presented at the American Diabetes Association’s annual meeting in Orlando, Florida. David Preiss, an associate professor at Oxford Population Health in the UK, emphasized the importance of these results. "Diabetic retinopathy remains a leading cause of visual loss, and we need simple strategies that can be widely used to reduce the progression of diabetic eye disease," Preiss remarked. He also noted that the trial's outcomes suggest Fenofibrate could be a valuable addition to treatments for those with diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that arises when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. As the vessels swell and leak, it leads to blurry vision, blank spots, and ultimately, blindness.

The study involved 1,151 adults from Scotland who had either early diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Fenofibrate tablets or a placebo. Over a span of four years, the study found that nearly 23% of individuals taking Fenofibrate experienced a worsening of their eye disease, in contrast to 29% of participants who were given a placebo. Additionally, Fenofibrate reduced the risk of developing macular edema, a dangerous swelling in the retina.

Researchers will continue to monitor the participants to gain a deeper understanding of the long-term effects of Fenofibrate on overall health.